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Holiday Greetings from Hollywood Studios?!! Yes, for some reason the “Christmas Creep” has started and we are seeing Christmas decorations up in Hollywood Studios — as well as some Christmas Merch — sitting right next to the Halloween Merch! Happy Holidays from Sunset Boulevard In addition to seeing Christmas arrive here, we also found construction, food, character meet and greets, Skyliner, and merchandise updates all around the park! New Halloween Sweet Treats Trolley Car Cafe can always be relied on to have some tasty seasonal sweet treats. This week we found this Chocolate and Caramel Apple that has a smile that kind of reminds us of the Joker and is a little spooky! Chocolate Caramel Apple If you’re looking for something a little more cute and less spooky try the Chocolate Cake topped with Chocolate Mousse and Mouse Ears! Chocolate Cake topped with Chocolate Mousse Those Toy Story Grand Opening and Incredibles 2 Celebration Cupcakes are still available — but how about that Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake? I still remember the first time I wrote about that gorgeous hunk of sugar exactly 9 years ago this month! Still one of my favorites. Trolley Car Baked Goods Hollywood and Vine Price Increase Hollywood and Vine is another victim of the recent price increases. If you’re going to Minnie’s Halloween Dine you’ll now pay $31 for kiddos and $52 for adults — and increase from $30 for kiddos and $50 for adults. The Play n’ Dine Breakfast also saw increases to $23 for kiddos and $38 for adults up from $20 and $34 respectively. Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine Play n’ Dine Breakfast at Hollywood and Vine Star Wars Galaxy Far Far Away Update We’ve been keeping you updated on the status of the Galaxy Far Far Away stage show. The area under construction has increased since last week and there are a lot more shrubs trying to hide the work — but as you can see there is some serious work being done to the area. This week we were promised by a cast member the show will be back “soon”. Star Wars A Galaxy Far Far Away Construction and Refurb Work Star Wars A Galaxy Far Far Away Construction and Refurb Work Star Wars A Galaxy Far Far Away Construction and Refurb Work Star Wars A Galaxy Far Far Away Construction and Refurb Work They are still working in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater. This building is in the process of being transformed on the inside for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride. Chinese Theater Construction and Refurb Work Path of the Jedi Transitions to Seasonal The Path of the Jedi is a short compilation film that retells the path of the Jedi. This show is now closed for the season. Hollywood Studios Times Guide Path of the Jedi Theater There are now “ads” for the Muppet*Vision 3D show and Frozen Sing-Along where there used to be promotions for the Path of the Jedi. Sing-Along with Elsa! Enjoy the Muppets in 3D Star Lord and Groot Meet and Greet Status Update While at Walt Disney Presents we realized Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star Lord and Groot were not there for their meet and greet. When we asked about this we were told they have “gone on a long mission.” We sure will miss them while they are gone and wish them luck on their mission! Hollywood Studios Times Guide Pixar Place Construction Since Toy Story Land opened Pixar Place has been blocked off with construction walls. It was announced previously this area will become a city block in Municiberg, home to the Incredibles. As the walls expand, the Joffrey’s stand in that area is getting hidden more and more — but rest assured, it is still there and open! Pixar Place Construction Pixar Place Construction Pixar Place Construction Pixar Place Construction Green Army Patrol Meet and Greet For the first time we saw a Green Army Man in Toy Story Land doing a Character Meet and Greet. Have you seen this before or met a Green Army Patrol Member? Let us know in the comments! Green Army Man Meet and Greet Christmas Merch Arrives! We spotted some Christmas merch and snacks in some of the stores…and since it is still Halloween season we found some of this new Christmas merch sitting on the same shelf as the Halloween merch. How is this possible? Even the Ghost looks confused! This light-up jingle bell necklace is a new addition this year! Get your Glow On! Our favorite part of the holiday season is the treats, and we found two of our favorites in one snack! Gingerbread Popcorn! Gingerbread Popcorn The seasonal krispy treats are back as well. Christmas Krispie Treats And just because Halloween is (almost) over doesn’t mean we have to give up sweet treats like the mallow creme pumpkins — because now they are available in a Christmas version! Dentists everywhere are rejoicing. Christmas Mallow Cremes Here’s a “sweet” Christmas countdown calendar! The trick is to limit yourself to just one piece of chocolate a day. I did the chocolate calendar with my son last year and he loved it! Christmas Countdown Calendar Christmas Countdown Calendar If your kids love your Elf on a Shelf or you’re looking to start this holiday tradition (beware: it’s a lot of work Moms and Dads!) then you’ve got to check out Disney’s version of Elf on a Shelf. Stitch Elf on the Shelf Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Merch We spotted the same Nightmare Before Chrismtas 25th Anniversary merchandise in the Stage One Shop by Muppet*Vision 3D that we saw in the Magic Kingdom this week. Have you ever seen Jack look this happy? Seeing his big smile made us smile too! Happy 25th Jack! Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Hoodie Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Purse Skyliner Construction Update Even Disney is getting ready for the arrival of the Skyliner System with the video they released today! Every time we come to this park the Skyliner station gets closer and closer to looking complete. Hollywood Studios Skyliner Station Hollywood Studios Skyliner Station Those are the updates from Hollywood Studios this week, we’ll leave you with this way-too-early Christmas scene on Sunset Boulevard! Happy Holidays from Sunset Boulevard Check out our NEW 25 Disney World Dishes You’ve NEVER Heard Of, But You’ve GOT to Try video! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Pre-order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 and get the 2017 edition as a free, instant download! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: NEW Eats, Merch, and Construction Updates: Disney’s Hollywood Studios What’s New in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: Everything We Found this Week! All the Updates and New Items in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

Walt Disney World gave an update about the gondola system that will transport visitors to Hollywood Studios, Epcot and several resorts. Disney Skyliner is under construction and “making progress”— although Disney still has not given an opening date — according to a Disney parks blog post Friday. ... View the full article

For a limited time next month, guests visiting Disney Parks will be able to preview a sequence from Disney’s new animated adventure “Ralph Breaks the Internet” in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at a portion of the film, starting Friday, November 2, as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction. At Disneyland park, the preview of “Ralph Breaks the Internet” will be shown in 3D at the Tomorrowland Theater. This limited sneak peek experience will be presented by Mailchimp at Disneyland Resort, November 9 – December 9. In “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” video-game bad guy Ralph and best friend Vanellope leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game. Their quest takes them to the vast world of the internet, a world Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces – so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had. Take a look at the latest trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and be sure to head to Disney Parks for this limited-time sneak peek as you get hyped for the film’s big release on November 21! View the full article

One down, 499,999 to go! We are excited to announce that the first of half a million solar panels was recently installed at the previously-announced new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility, which is being developed in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Origis Energy USA to provide power to Walt Disney World Resort. When completed in just a few months, this facility will, on average, generate enough renewable clean energy to equate to powering two of our four Disney theme parks here in Central Florida. This project marks another milestone in our commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship here at Disney, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself and has continued with the dedication of our Cast Members today. And, as mentioned in the recent New York Times article highlighting this project, Disney’s sustainability leadership is providing inspiration at a global level. I visited the construction site along with several other members of the project team to celebrate the exciting milestone of the first panel being installed. It was so thrilling to see the progress that’s being made on this new solar facility – helping us achieve our environmental goals while meeting the power needs of our business. Cast Members from Disney’s Animal, Science and Environment and Horticulture teams are playing an integral role in the development of the facility, including their efforts to make the site pollinator friendly and safe for endangered species of butterflies, bees and other insects. This is just one more way in which we’re using renewable clean energy to bring Disney magic to our guests Be sure to keep reading the Disney Parks Blog and follow the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page for additional updates. View the full article

There’s something exciting about the anticipation of checking in to a Disney Resort hotel and beginning your vacation, or getting ready to fly on the back of a mountain banshee in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Now, we’re about to make moments like these even more special, with two new interactive experiences coming soon to the Play Disney Parks mobile app, which turns wait time into play time and offers guests a variety of fun activities to enjoy together. Stories of the Enchanted Gallery at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be the first Play Disney Parks experience based at a Disney Resort hotel and will allow you to bring the art-filled walls of the lobby to life while checking in or enjoying your stay. Through the app, you’ll become your own animator, creating themed art that transforms into living, breathing stories inspired by “Finding Nemo,” “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Cars.” The ACE Guide to Pandora: Valley of Mo’ara Edition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will enable you to join Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) on an adventurous journey as you explore the colors, cultures and creatures of Pandora. Scan your surroundings for exotic lifeforms, create indigenous music and experience other interactive gameplay alongside your friends and family while learning all about this alien moon through interesting facts, trivia and activities. This experience can be accessed anywhere within the park, but is especially great when waiting in the queue line at the very popular Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. You’ll also be able to earn, collect and share several new Play Disney Parks achievements as part of these new experiences. And, while in the app, keep your eyes (and ears) open for some great new Apple Music* playlists featuring songs inspired by Disney animated films, Disney lullabies and even classic Disney tales read aloud. Since debuting in June, the Play Disney Parks app has immersed guests further in the Disney stories they know and love, through themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, music and more – whether they are playing on Main Street, U.S.A. or waiting in line at beloved attractions. Be sure to download the app from the App Store or Google Play to be among the first to enjoy these latest enhancements. There’s many more exciting additions in development for the app at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission. *Some features require Apple Music subscription and are only available on iOS devices. Separate terms and conditions apply. Apple, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC. View the full article

All eyes are on the SKIES in Walt Disney World, as construction is well underway for the Disney Skyliner transportation system! Skyliner Support Tower at Caribbean Beach Resort From support towers to Skyliner stations, Disney is gearing up for this new transportation system which will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four Resorts: Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and the upcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort. Epcot Skyliner Station Today, Disney is sharing a look at the Skyliner filled with fun facts. How many miles of cable will be used for the system? How many loading stations will there be in all? Find out — and see more concept art of the gondolas in action — by checking out Disney’s video below!  Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Are you excited about the Disney Skyliner? Please let us know with a comment below! Related posts: New Disney World Skyliner Details — with Concept Artwork! Update: Skyliner Gondola Spotted in Hollywood Studios Station DFB Video: Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Biggest Upcoming Changes! View the full article

Last year we shared details about Disney Skyliner, a new way to move guests across Walt Disney World Resort with a bird’s-eye view. This new gondola system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort. To bring Disney Skyliner to life, teams are making progress on this innovative system. In addition to uniquely Disney station designs that complement their surroundings, support towers have been popping up across Walt Disney World Resort and will soon be connected with a series of reinforced cables to carry guests in stylish themed gondolas. You may even see this work underway over the next several months as teams install the miles of cable between towers. In the meantime, check out the video above for a fun look at this new system and keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details. View the full article

Remember the Peter Pan Float that came flying into Storybook Treats in Magic Kingdom this summer? Well, looks like Peter has started a trend, because even more snacks based on beloved characters are coming to Magic Kingdom soon! Storybook Treats will soon be home to a Tinkerbell treat! Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone ©Disney Starting November 1st, Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone will feature the same key lime soft serve as in the Peter Pan Float. It will be topped with white chocolate wings, and garnished with green cotton candy… oh, and Pixie Dust, too, of course! Then, on November 7th, The Lunching Pad will serve up a new Space Ranger Slush! This Buzz-worthy slush will be layered with purple grape and green apple slush, complete with a green rock candy straw. Space Ranger Slush ©Disney Also on November 7th, the Wonderland Slush will be found at Cheshire Cafe. Purple grape and pink raspberry lemonade slush will be layered and finished with a pink rock candy straw. Wonderland Slush ©Disney Another snacking tribute to the Cheshire Cat will be the Cheshire Cat Cupcake! Find it throughout November as the Cupcake of the Month in Intermission Food Court at All Star Music Resort. Cheshire Cat Cupcake ©Disney A vanilla cupcake will be filled with pink and purple crispy pearls (!), and topped with strawberry buttercream, chocolate ears, and a chocolate signature grin. Which Disney character would you love to see represented with a snack ? Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Details! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which character snack would you most like to try in November? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Every. Single. Rose Gold Snack. in Disney World What’s New Around Disney World: August 12, 2014 2019 Disney Dining Plans AND Disney World Vacation Packages Announced View the full article

Our Disney Parks Moms Panelists and Disney Vacation Club Members, Tania and Jerry, are back to talk about the amazing Membership benefit: Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic. This exclusive, after-hours event is for Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests. Tania and Jerry recently attended Moonlight Magic at Magic Kingdom Park with each of their families and are here to tell us all about this exciting event! For more information about Disney Vacation Club or planning your next Disney vacation, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists. As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information. View the full article

A familiar face was spotted at Disneyland Paris! Actress Salma Hayek stopped by the park recently to enjoy the seasonal festivities and celebrate 90 years of magic with Mickey. In Frontierland, both Mickey and Minnie struck a pose for her in their colorful Mexican costumes and performed a few dance steps together, followed by an encounter with Miguel, the star of the Disney Pixar film “Coco,” at Fuente del Oro Restaurante near Big Thunder Mountain. And of course, what’s a visit to Disneyland Paris without a parade? Salma had the chance to see the brand-new float designed especially to celebrate Mickey’s birthday during the Halloween Cavalcade along the streets of Disneyland Park. There’s so much to do and see at Disneyland Paris during Disney’s Halloween Festival: A Spooky Mouse Skelebration, now until November 4! For more details, check out our blog post on all things Halloween at international Disney Parks. View the full article

October is the perfect month to talk about sweets – with Halloween candy and pumpkin snacks galore, there’s plenty of sugar to go around! But outside of the fall offerings around Walt Disney World Resort, our chefs are always hard at work creating more yummy treats for you. So what’s in store this month? First up is this ADORABLE cone treat at Magic Kingdom Park. Starting on Nov. 1, fly on over to Storybook Treats to take a bite out of Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone! All it takes is faith, trust, and a sweet tooth to enjoy this tasty treat made with lime soft-serve and topped with white chocolate “wings,” cotton candy, and just a little bit of Pixie Dust. Speaking of cotton candy, did you know that there’s now PURPLE WALL COTTON CANDY? That’s right! Served at a cart near the purple wall in Tomorrowland, this mixed berry-flavored cotton candy is tasty AND it’ll be the perfect edible accessory for all of your cute pics! Starting November 7, we’ve got a couple new tasty slushes coming to Magic Kingdom Park as well. The first will be blasting off to infinity and beyond at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland! The Space Ranger Slush has layers of purple grape and green apple slush and comes with a green rock candy straw. The Wonderland Slush will also be available starting November 7 at Cheshire Café. This one comes with layers of purple grape and pink raspberry lemonade slush and a pink rock candy straw. Can’t get enough of the Cheshire Cat? Well I have good news! The Cupcake of the Month at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is a Cheshire Cat Cupcake! This fun vanilla cupcake is filled with pink and purple crispy pearls and topped with strawberry buttercream, chocolate ears, and a chocolate smile. It will appear at Intermission Food Court during the month of November. Craving caramel apple? Try out the Caramel Apple Cupcake at Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! It’s a vanilla cupcake with apple pie filling topped with caramel buttercream, a salted caramel drizzle, streusel crumbs, and a house-made apple chip. Finally, at Disney Springs I’ve got the perfect refreshing treat for a hot Florida day: these Buzz Pop Cocktails available at Paddlefish! Guests 21 and over can try one of the many fruity flavors such as Caribbean Breeze Sorbet, Lemon Drop Martini Sorbet, Blueberry Mania Sorbet, and more. Are you as excited for these sweet treat as I am? Come on out and taste them for yourselves! For more info and full menus for the locations listed above, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website. View the full article

Heather and Clark Ensminger breathed sighs of relief when their Los Angeles-bound plane took off from Florida on time: Their biggest hurdle was now eliminated for achieving their goal of visiting six Disney parks on two coasts in one day. They succeeded Wednesday, visiting four Disney parks in... View the full article

Our Disneyland correspondent, Heather, found the cutest new snack-themed pouches in Downtown Disney in Disneyland! Dole Whip Pouch Of course, everyone’s favorite classic Disney snacks are part of the collection. Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar Pouch You’ll find Dole Whip Floats, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, and Churros! (Yep those are churros. Not baguettes.) Churro Pouch Churro Pouch And last but not least, possibly the most important: Snack Money Pouch A pouch to hold your snack money. Snack Money Pouches These adorable snack-themed pouches retail for $19.99 each and can be found on both coasts! Which one is your favorite!? Check out our Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram! Related posts: Review: The Brand New Disneyland Splitsville Luxury Lanes! Taste of Downtown Disney Returning to Disneyland Resort in September! Earl of Sandwich Re-Opens in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney For a Limited Time View the full article

“Here comes Sandy Claws…” Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark photography takes us to Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park. Not only does 2018 mark the 25th anniversary of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” but also the 18th time that Jack Skellington has visited the 999 Happy Haunts who dwell in the Haunted Mansion, transforming this attraction into Haunted Mansion Holiday. Each year, Jack dresses up as “Sandy Claws” as he and his ghost dog Zero bring ghoulish delights from Halloween Town to visit Disneyland Park. One of Jack’s favorite holiday traditions is leaving a special treat for the ghosts who dance around the Haunted Mansion’s Grand Hall. The annual centerpiece for this “waltz of the weird” is always a huge, creepy gingerbread creation. Jack delivers new and thrilling surprises every year. Check out the behind-the-scenes look at this year’s gingerbread house here. Experience Haunted Mansion Holiday now through January 6, 2019. View the full article

Walt Disney Co. will preserve much of the management team at the Fox film studio as the Burbank entertainment company prepares to absorb 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets into its business. Disney on Thursday said it would keep multiple top Fox film executives, including longtime production... View the full article

We occasionally hear chatter from readers who think Walt Disney World kicks off the Halloween season too early. After all, the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was on August 17 — 2.5 months before the actual holiday and, really, still in the throes of a sweltering summer in central Florida (not unlike today). But one thing you’ve gotta give the Disney Parks props for is providing plenty of seasonal snacks to keep us interested. Enter this Halloween Cupcake, spotted all over Animal Kingdom! Halloween Cupcake Ghost Mickey? Check. Pumpkin with requisite bright green vines? Check. Fall spices? Giant check! This cute addition to the seasonal snack list is comprised of a yellow cake, pumpkin mousse filling, cinnamon buttercream, a white chocolate edible image, and a fondant pumpkin. Halloween Cupcake The Halloween Cupcake is available in multiple locations in Animal Kingdom, including Creature Comforts, the park’s Starbucks location. And it’s really a cupcake well-suited to accompany a cup of coffee. Halloween Cupcake You can ask for one from the cast members there, or grab one in this handy to-go container, find yourself a seat outside, and enjoy fall! Halloween Cupcake Grab and Go from Creature Comforts! The cake base is simple and, we think, a little smaller than the average Disney World cupcake (and we, like, really know our WDW cupcakes!). But the cinnamon buttercream is wonderful! It’s distinctively flavorful without overdoing it. And the warmth of the spice balances well with the sweetness of the frosting. Halloween Cupcake We also love the festive decorations on top. The fondant pumpkin is vibrant orange, with a little green stem for good measure. Fondant decorations don’t knock our socks off for flavor or texture, but this is well-done and cheerful. Halloween Cupcake The edible ghost is on a sliver of white chocolate, which is just straight sweet. So maybe break off a piece of that to share (but keep the cupcake for yourself!). The green grass frosting is always a fun addition. Halloween Cupcake Inside the Halloween Cupcake is pumpkin mousse. The filling is small, so it imparts only a small (but pleasant) pumpkin flavor. If you prefer to be hit over the head with pumpkin, this won’t be enough for you. But if you’re looking to simply supplement your cupcakes with a bit of pumpkin, this will do it. Us? We like the pumpkin. So we would have preferred a larger cake base with more filling on this one. Pumpkin Mousse Halloween, we love you — in real life and in our Disney life. This Halloween Cupcake is a great addition — subtle in the right ways and as playful as we want to be this time of year. If you’re exploring Animal Kingdom, this is a fun way to fuel your adventures! Check out our fun at the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party of the season in this DFB Guide video! Does this cupcake sound like a trick or a treat? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Related posts: 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery What’s New at Animal Kingdom and the All-Star Resorts: November 27, 2017 View the full article

You’ve probably seen the Elf on the Shelf during the holidays. He’s that rather mischievous plush elf that you, or your family and friends, have hidden around your house during December for your kiddos to find every morning. You know, the one that you think will be SO FUN for your kids but ends up being the bane of your existence throughout the month of December? Yeah, him. Well, Disney has come up with their own version of Elf on a Shelf (of course)…and we’ve got to say he is the perfect character to be a mischievous “elf”! Stitch Elf on the Shelf Yep, it’s Experiment 626, better know as Stitch! Ready moms and dads??? Ready???? You already know Stitch is quite the character, but with that wink you know he will be on the naughty list this year! Stitch Elf on the Shelf The backstory for this “elf” is this is his first winter on planet earth and he needs to learn your holiday traditions. You are encouraged to share your celebrations with him and make him a part of your family. As it says “…after all, the holidays are all about celebrating ‘ohana.” And of course you’re supposed to “hide and display him each day around your home.” Thanks, Disney. Stitch Elf on the Shelf Yes, he has a Nice, but also a Naughty side. He might be quietly reading the book that comes with him, or more likely ripping the pages out! Stitch Elf on the Shelf Stitch is poseable, so you’ll be able to have adventures around your house with him and your kiddos all December-long. Lucky, lucky you! Stitch Elf on the Shelf We spotted this in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re likely to see him in more locations in the parks and resorts as Christmas gets closer and more merchandise is released. So, is Stitch coming home with you this holiday season?? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Pre-order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 and get the 2017 edition as a free, instant download! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: 25 Must-Do Disney World Holiday Events — and Eats! Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery Disney FOOD CHALLENGE! Can You Eat All 19 Of Our Favorite Mickey-Shaped Foods?!? View the full article

Kristen Bell raised her concerns over the messages “Snow White” might be introducing to young girls, making her the second Disney actress this week to take issue with some of the media company’s older movies. The “Frozen” actress says she’s made it a point to discuss topics such as consent and... View the full article

It’s no secret that Disney Parks festivals are some of the best (and tastiest) around. At Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot celebrates cultures and cuisines from around the globe with four internationally-inspired festivals: the (currently running) International Food & Wine Festival, the International Festival of the Holidays, the International Festival of the Arts, and the International Flower & Garden Festival. And over a Disneyland Resort, you’ll find the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival as well as the Disney Festival of Holidays. Each of these events celebrates Disney storytelling through art, music, horticulture, and most importantly – FOOD! And now you can bring the flavors of all six festivals to your own kitchen with the new Disney Festivals Cookbook. Written by Disney Foodie Pam Brandon, this delicious cookbook features a collection of recipes from each Disney festival on both coasts. This cookbook is available NOW in select merchandise locations at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and will be available on both coasts during each of the festivals. And on Friday, Oct. 26 from 3 to 4 p.m., you can come out to the Festival Center at Epcot for a book signing with Pam! To give you a sneak peek, here’s a recipe from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – the Beef and Mushroom Burger served with brie cheese fondue and truffle and blue cheese potato chips. And if you’re at Epcot for the festival, this yummy burger can be found at the Earth Eats Marketplace located in Future World. The Steakhouse Blended Burger with Brie Cheese Fondue and Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chips From the Earth Eats Marketplace at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Serves 6 INGREDIENTS Beef and Mushroom Burger • 2 teaspoons canola oil • 12 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1/4-inch thick • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper • 2 1/4 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend • Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper Brie Fondue • 4 ounces Brie cheese • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour • 1 cup whole milk • Pinch coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon truffle oil Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chips • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced very thin with mandoline • 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying • 2 teaspoons truffle oil • 1 teaspoon blue cheese powder or blue cheese crumbles • 1/8 teaspoon popcorn salt For Serving • 6 brioche buns • 2 cups arugula INSTRUCTIONS For Beef and Mushroom Burger 1. Heat canola oil in sauté pan over medium heat until oil starts to shimmer. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Cook mushrooms down until tender and liquid has evaporated, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. 3. Finely chop cooled mushrooms. Transfer to large bowl and add ground beef, mixing well. Form 6 patties and refrigerate until ready to cook. For Brie Fondue 1. Place Brie in freezer for about 20 minutes. 2. Melt butter in medium-size sauté pan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly until mixture is caramel colored. 3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid clumps. 4. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cook until mixture starts to thicken. 5. Remove Brie from freezer. With sharp knife, remove rind from cheese and cut into small chunks. 6. Add cheese to milk mixture in batches, constantly whisking until all ingredients are melted and mixture thickens. 7. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. 8. Finish with truffle oil just before serving. Taste and add more truffle oil, to taste. For Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chips 1. Blanch potato slices in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Remove from water and dry on baking tray. 2. Add vegetable oil to deep stock pot and heat to 350°F. 3. Once oil is hot, add potatoes and fry chips until golden brown and crispy, frying in batches if necessary. 4. Remove chips from oil, drain on paper towels and place in mixing bowl. 5. Drizzle with truffle oil and gently toss; sprinkle with blue cheese powder or crumbles and salt. To Serve 1. Remove burgers from refrigerator and season with salt and pepper. 2. Grill to desired doneness. 3. Lightly grill buns on cut side. 4. Place handful of arugula on bottom of each bun, then top with burger. Ladle about 2 tablespoons of cheese fondue on top. 5. Add handful of truffle chips, then top with bun. 6. Serve immediately. Cook’s Note: You can always use blue cheese crumbles in this recipe, or find blue cheese powder at online gourmet specialty shops. It’s made by dehydrating blue cheese and it adds a rich, velvety texture and sharp, earthy flavor—try it on popcorn or add to salad dressings and dips. What to drink: Go red or white—a fruity red Chilean or New Zealand Pinot Noir, or a creamy, subtly oaked Chardonnay. View the full article

Disney Springs at Walt Disney World is a shopping and dining district with — believe it or not! — over 100 shops! And one of our favorite stops is the Marketplace Co-Op, which houses several shopping experiences and often serves as a petri dish for items that eventually make their way into the Parks. Marketplace Co-op in Disney Springs And three new shops have recently popped up — including Lovepop! Lovepop is billed as selling “a new kind of greeting card”, making it a one-of-a-kind spot to buy just the right card. Lovepop Display Lovepop cards are, indeed, more than a typical greeting card. In fact, they are hand-assembled works of art crafted with 3-D printed components designed on cutting-edge software. So while the front of the card might look like this: Darth Vader Card The inside might look like this: Darth Vader That’s some fabulous design, if you’re asking us! And Star Wars fans will want to know they can also get their pretty little lightsabers on the Millennium Falcon as well. Millennium Falcon There are loads of card designs to choose from, with the simple fronts always disguising something magical inside. Display at Lovepop Lovepop Display There are plenty of 3-D pop-ups on display, so you can admire these like the works of art they really are! Lovepop Display Lovepop Display Lovepop Display There’s a lot of technical lingo about how these cards are made, but when you look at one, what matters most is how absolutely stunning they are! Right now there are seasonal cards for Halloween. Pumpkins Boo! Skeleton Bear And there are plenty of pop culture classics, too — like this collection of Beatles cards! Beatles Box Set Abbey Road These cards are totally awesome, and they’re soooooo much more than a traditional greeting card! They’re display-worthy, and they truly pop with love. Want to stay on top of alllllll the latest Disney news? Sign up for our totally free DFB Newsletter and you’ll never miss a thing! What would you love to see in a Lovepop card? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Where To Find Pumpkin-Filled Churros in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs! The Best Cookie In Disney World. And You Don’t Even Have To Pay for a Park Ticket! 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! View the full article

Walt Disney World Resort is building a new hotel with more than 900 beds on Bay Lake where the former River Country water park was once located, the company said Thursday. The unnamed deluxe resort, set to open in 2022, will be in between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort... View the full article

World of Disney at Disney Springs, the world’s largest Disney store, has been undergoing a major refurbishment and reimagining for the last ten months. The Grand Reopening is on Saturday, October 27, but Disney Food Blog got a sneak peak today! Come along with us to see what’s new and what you can expect to see over the next few weeks. World of Disney World of Disney‘s new design offers a more modern look and a spacious, open floor plan. With 50,000 square feet of cuteness, you might just find a few things you can’t live without. Many NEW sections of the store are open to the public today. There’s a whole new Mickey Mouse Club collection, too (more on that soon!): Mickey Mouse Club Merch at World of Disney Pixar Merch at World of Disney Pixar Candy at World of Disney World of Disney World of Disney World of Disney World of Disney World of Disney And the rest of the store opens on Saturday, October 27. New Holiday Merchandise at World of Disney! Yep — there’s a LOT of new holiday merchandise dropping TODAY at World of Disney in Disney Springs! We’ll show you more in an upcoming post, but here are a few sneak peeks! These fuzzy ears are perfect for the season. New Holiday Ears at World of Disney And spirit jerseys in red and (plaid) black are perfect for your leggings-and-latte wardrobe! (“Leggings-and-Latte Wardrobe”? I should trademark that, right?!) Holiday Spirit Jerseys at World of Disney This new holiday shirt is basically tailor-made for yours truly. New Holiday T-Shirts at World of Disney New Holiday T-Shirts at World of Disney And LOOK AT THESE CUTIES!!!! Holiday Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie at World of Disney So much holiday cheer for your kitchen as well. New Holiday Merchandise at World of Disney Here’s the new style for the gingerbread popcorn this year! Gingerbread Popcorn at World of Disney Fun New Tees Pop Up at World of Disney Super great new t-shirts have shown up at the new World of Disney! We’re loving the Insert Snacks Here design…though we’ve never really needed a map to figure that out. New T-Shirt Designs at World of Disney New T-Shirt Designs at World of Disney The castle blueprint is super fun. And do you know anyone who needs the “I tried to be happy, but I got bored.” shirt? ;-D New T-Shirt Designs at World of Disney New T-Shirt Designs at World of Disney New Alice in Wonderland Merchandise Line at World of Disney Alice and her companions have a whole new line for themselves as well! We LOVED it! Alice in Wonderland March at World of Disney Check out this cute “spin me” Teacup change purse! Teacup Purse at World of Disney Talking Doorknob Pouch at World of Disney NEW Mickey Mouse Club Merchandise Line You’ll also find some amazing Mickey Mouse Club merchandise dropping today at World of Disney. We’ll have a full tour of this for you later, but here’s a sneak peek! Mickey Mouse Club Collection Mickey Mouse Club Collection plush dolls Mickey Mouse Club Collection backpack Fun right? Stay tuned! Mickey and Minnie Ears and Hats at World of Disney in Disney Springs So this crazy cute, brand new ear headband is part of the new Mickey Mouse Club collection at World of Disney! But there are plenty of other ears where that came from… . Mickey Mouse Club Ear Headband at World of Disney See what I mean? Ears and Hats at World of Disney Ears and Hats at World of Disney Not an ear person? That’s alright — they’ve got you covered, too. Literally. WOD’s hat game is strong. Ears and Hats at World of Disney Ears at Hats at World of Disney And this new rainbow-y clutch just fit right in with the ears…so we had to show you! Ear Pouch at World of Disney SO Many Special Details… We always know that there’s more than meets the eye at any Disney location. Details at World of Disney After looking around a bit, we found these intricate etchings in the register cabinets of all places! You can find the hitchhiking ghosts… Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts! …this hard-to-spot carving depicting Walt’s Silly Symphonies Flowers and Trees animation… Details at World of Disney …this awesome Ugly Duckling image… Details at World of Disney …and more!! We’ll be back later today with a TON of detailed info and photo tours of the new World of Disney, but in the meantime, let us know your thoughts below! What do you think of the new World of Disney? Let us know in the comments below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Related posts: News: Free Pastry with Purchase of a Caricature at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs! News and Review: Donut Nuggets at D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs! 36 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World! View the full article

A new resort is coming to Disney World! This deluxe Resort will be “themed to complement its natural surroundings” on the shoreline of Bay Lake, tucked between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Nature-Inspired Resort Concept Art © Disney The Resort will house more than 900 hotel rooms as well as proposed Disney Vacation Club villas. George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, shared: “Walt Disney World is in the midst of our most significant expansion in the last two decades and the combined 1,700 new hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas we are building at four different resorts will create thousands of new construction and permanent jobs and will drive economic opportunity and incremental revenue for Central Florida. We continue to add new attractions, new lands — and these beautiful accommodations will be right in the heart of all that magic.” The as-yet-unnamed Resort will be Disney’s 16th Disney Vacation Club property, and will welcome guests in 2022. The ongoing construction of Coronado Springs Resort will result in 545 additional guest rooms, while the previously announced Riviera Resort (opening in 2019) will house 300 units. Disney Riviera Resort Concept Art ©Disney And, of course, the Star Wars hotel will bring additional guests into its uniquely immersive experience. Star Wars-themed hotel artwork ©Disney Which one are you most excited about ? Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Keep posted on all the BIG CHANGES coming to Walt Disney World in our DFB YouTube Video!  What do you think of the newly announced Resort? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: Geyser Point Bar & Grill Opening Summer 2017 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge First Look and Review: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review: The New Chuck Wagon Fresh Fixin’s Food Truck at Fort Wilderness Campground View the full article

Today is World Okapi Day, and I believe there’s no better way to celebrate this magnificent animal than announcing the birth of one more! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is celebrating the birth of a rare okapi, who was born on Oct. 1 to mom Zelda. Weighing in at 54 pounds, the calf was up and mobile within the first hour of his birth. He has been nursing and bonding with his mom. The pair will remain in a backstage habitat for the next few months before joining the animals on the savanna. The calf’s parents – mom Zelda and dad Mandazi – were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. When I visited the okapi care team recently, keeper Kim Thomson expressed how excited she was to care for a new calf and how it changes the dynamics of her team’s routine. “We will spend a lot of time conducting observations on mom and calf making sure the calf is bonding well with mom, nursing well and basically hitting all of the milestones we would expect of a growing okapi,” Kim said. Okapis are an endangered species found in rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known as the ghosts of the forest, okapis are shy, reclusive and rarely encountered in the wild. In fact, they weren’t even discovered until 1901. There are an estimated 20,000 okapi in the world, and their population continues to decline due to poaching and habitat loss from commercial logging and mining. Through the Disney Conservation Fund and our involvement in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, I’m proud to say Disney has been at the forefront of okapi conservation for many years. We have a long-standing relationship with the Okapi Conservation Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In fact, the AZA recently recognized Disney’s Animal Kingdom for its contributions to the Okapi Conservation Project. To learn more about okapis and other animals you can visit at the Walt Disney World Resort, visit DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article

There’s a whole lot of Disney dancing and singing on the way from “Dancing With the Stars.” Both editions of the dance contest are staging Disney Night on Disney-owned ABC. The original series, at 8 p.m. Monday, will present Andrea Bocelli and son Matteo Bocelli performing “Fall on Me.” The song... View the full article